The Manual on Communication and Visibility for European Union External Actions has been designed to ensure that actions that are wholly or partially funded by the EU incorporate information and communication activities designed to raise the awareness of specific or general audiences of the reasons for the action and the EU support for the action in the country or region concerned, as well as the results and the impact of this support.

The Manual covers the written and visual identity of the EU and sets out requirements and guidelines for briefings, written material, press conferences, presentations, invitations, signs, commemorative plaques and all other tools used to highlight EU participation.

The Manual contains compulsory requirements for all contractors and implementing partners under contracts and financing agreements which specifically refer to them, whether signed by the European Commission or by the Contracting Authority. In all other cases the manual is only designed to provide guidance, unless otherwise stated. In all cases the provisions of specific contracts, financing agreements and contribution agreements prevail.